by Revenge is a dish best served hot. It’s a style strategy practiced by women the world over – and it’s never felt more powerful than in 2024.
30 years ago the concept of the ‘revenge dress’ was born when Diana, Princess of Wales arrived at the Serpentine summer party in a Little Black Dress by Greek designer Christina Stambolian.
It is no coincidence that her estranged husband was seen on national television getting out of the car and admitting his affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles. Diana, meanwhile, was a complete knockout – and photographed looking so by the waiting paparazzi.
“She knew what she was doing that night in 1994, and she probably expected the impact it would have on the headlines the next day,” says Eloise Moran, author of The Lady Di Lookbook.
There’s a way for all of us to benefit from the revenge dressing chutzpah – whether you’re an average lifer who remembers living through Charles and Diana’s exploits in real time and you’re going through your own breakup now, or if you are a member of the TikTok generation that has just discovered the concept.
Few have since done it better than TV presenter Maya Jama who wore a black velvet AloNuko dress with a sweetheart neckline to the Brit awards in 2020, the year after her split from rapper Stormzy which also happened to be attend the event. Her stylist Kyle de Volle confirms that the look was directly inspired by Princess Diana’s 1994 outfit, worn a few months before Jama was even born.
“Diana is up there with my style icons, I love everything about her but that look is special because it was so different from anything she’s worn,” de Volle tells the Telegraph. “She went for it and the whole outfit went completely against protocol, her knees are out, her shoulders are out, it’s a dark color that the Royal family usually reserves for mourning.”
“My love for that look has influenced my styling work,” he continues. “Diana was my reference for that moment with Maya Jama. it’s clear [Jama and Stormzy] back together now and love up all, but at the time we wanted to make sure Maya looked great. She is so experimental when it comes to fashion and is always willing to try things on so she was totally into it. She said ‘Let’s do it’.”
Jama made headlines that night looking powerful, confident and undeniably sexy, exuding a “look what you want” energy. Along with Jama are famous women who have achieved revenge outfits in recent years.
Jerry Hall, who is recently divorced from Rupert Murdoch, relaunched her modeling career last year at the age of 66 as she posed in a black Thierry Mugler x H&M minidress in sultry images that showed her famous long legs with a hint of last laugh incongruity. In recent months, actress Natalie Portman, 43, has reignited the press following her split from husband of 11 years Benjamin Millepied by swapping her usual conservative and elegant style for a look that includes a red eye-catching ensemble , a mini blazer and simple jeans. and a white t-shirt, accessorized with a cigarette and Paul Mescal – images that sent social media wild with speculation about the nature of their relationship.
Does revenge dressing always have to wear a dress that’s typically sexual? No need, argues de Volle, saying that you can do it to varying degrees. “The whole revenge is flipping your current style on its head, it must look like no one has ever seen you,” he advises. “It could be achieved through a new haircut, a great new pair of heels or a new make-up look, even a red lip has so much power. If you want to show someone what’s missing, you have to step it up and do something different.”
When you’re not a celebrity trying to send your message of revenge in an immediately obvious way, you can feel less stressed, even if you’re wearing a cute outfit in a color or style your ex didn’t like. old man or disliked. joke about it. Or take the lead of Nicole Kidman who was suddenly seen, after her separation from Tom Cruise, wearing high heels again after years of not wanting to go above her little old friend on the red carpet.
It’s also worth noting that revenge dressing doesn’t have to be directed at your ex-partner but can be reframed as healing your own feelings and doing something that motivates and empowers you on your terms. Recently divorced Anita Rani wore a stunning glittering gown to the BAFTAs last month, and later told the Telegraph “how an Asian woman in a revealing dress managed to blow people’s minds”.
You don’t even have to be a breakup to try revenge dressing. Maybe you’ve just quit a job you hated or got sick of it and want to be in charge again – in fact, after the pandemic, the term “revenge shopping” was coined to describe everyone who went out to spend dowries with joy. by being able to shop and socialize again.
There are some brands that specialize in modern, sensual frocks. “There’s David Koma, Nensi Dojaka or even a little Valentino number if you have the budget for that,” de Volle suggests. “For a sexy, sexy number, you’ll have heads with [Koma],” he laughs.
One-shoulder, £1605, David Koma; Polka dot, £295, Rixo
Elsewhere, Rixo and Ghost make excellent frocks that are cut on the bias so they flatter your figure without being too clingy and come in prints full of attitude. You could combine your anger with joy in one of the creations that fit your Birger Christensen Rotary shape or Self Portrait. Black is always a good idea but anything red, lacy or animal print will carry the same vengeful spirit.
More importantly, however, look at the way Diana got out of her car that evening. Shoulders back, head held high and a big smile on his face. Whatever you’re wearing, arm yourself with that air of confidence and you’re sure to get sweet revenge.
Three other killer revenge dresses…
Red dress, £400, Self portrait; Zebra print, £260, Rotate Birgir Christensen
Leopard print, £35.99, Zara
